Of the 23 teams that have secured their places at the Rugby World Cup 2027, only one team will be making its debut: Hong Kong China. This achievement marks a significant milestone for a sport that has been woven into the fabric of this multicultural region since the late 19th century. While the women’s team competed in the 2017 World Cup, the men’s team has never before reached rugby’s biggest stage.
On July 5th, Hong Kong China faced South Korea at the Incheon Namdong Asiad Rugby Field in the final round of the Asia Rugby Championship. After securing bonus-point victories over the UAE and Sri Lanka, they were on the cusp of realizing a long-held dream. With a resounding 70-22 victory, Hong Kong China not only lifted the cup but also secured their spot in Australia 2027.
Seizing the Moment: A Strategic Vision
As Hong Kong China prepares for its World Cup debut, the focus turns to leveraging this opportunity for broader growth. James Farndon, CEO of Hong Kong China Rugby, is determined to capitalize on the global exposure that the World Cup will provide.
“There’s a growing understanding across our community that we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness,” Farndon says. “Our team is working non-stop to spread the sport in all possible formats to engage more people.”
Farndon, who took on his role last year, is committed to developing rugby from the grassroots level up. His strategy includes nurturing a sustainable domestic club scene and inspiring the next generation through role models and major competitions.
The Role of the Hong Kong SVNS
The Hong Kong SVNS, a celebrated event in the rugby calendar, plays a crucial role in this vision. The tournament, now hosted at the new Kai Tak Sports Park, is key to generating revenue that supports local rugby development.
“The Hong Kong SVNS is much more than a sports tournament; it is a way to generate revenue and funds that are reinvested in the local game,” Farndon explains.
Building a Competitive Team
Andrew Douglas, the coach who led the men’s XVs team to victory, has taken on an expanded role as head of technical and elite coaching. With Logan Asplin stepping in as head coach, Douglas is focused on building a full-time men’s program leading into the World Cup.
“We have a passionate rugby community that needs to be more engaged,” Douglas says. “We need to entertain them with a brand of rugby that people want to see.”
Douglas emphasizes the importance of reaching out to schools and smaller communities to showcase the benefits of rugby. He believes that the World Cup qualification serves as a powerful motivator for both senior and young players to pursue their rugby dreams.
Developing Talent and Sustainability
Douglas is focused on creating a sustainable platform that consistently qualifies for World Cups. This involves developing a strong club program and a robust youth pathway.
“We are always looking for the best talent,” Douglas notes. “Some exciting prospects are already emerging from our youth programs.”
He envisions a future where Hong Kong China can compete with top-level teams, drawing parallels with the rise of rugby nations like Uruguay and Spain.
Future Aspirations and Pathway Development
Looking ahead, Hong Kong China Rugby has set its sights on qualifying for the next Olympics sevens. This requires careful management of player workload and fatigue, given the limited player pool.
“We want our players to experience high-level training and planning,” Farndon explains. “We are committed to providing the best platform for our players to achieve top-level performance.”
Douglas highlights the importance of the changes in the pathway system and work environment, ensuring players have the best possible platform to reach their goals.
“The players have been receptive to new ideas and the workload,” Douglas says. “They have a deep ambition and desire to be better.”
As the World Cup approaches, the union is working tirelessly to establish a system that can deliver something special for a team that deserves recognition and respect.
With the World Cup qualification, Hong Kong China is poised to become a formidable force in the rugby world, determined to push boundaries and involve every team with the desire to excel.
